Surface oxygen-enriched molydenum boride integrated electrode for high-performance hydrogen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) electrocatalysts are crucial for clean energy production.
• Developing robust electrocatalysts with high activity and stability in diverse electrolytes, especially chloride-rich media, remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel oxygen-enriched molybdenum boride integrated electrode (O-MoB@Mo).
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic performance and stability of the O-MoB@Mo electrode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in acidic, alkaline, and simulated seawater electrolytes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the O-MoB@Mo electrode on Mo foil via an oxidation-boridation process.
• Electrochemical characterization including cyclic voltammetry, linear sweep voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
• Long-term stability tests in various electrolytes.

Main Results:

• The O-MoB@Mo electrode demonstrated outstanding HER activity.
• Excellent stability was observed in acidic, alkaline, and simulated seawater electrolytes.
• The material exhibited promising chloride tolerance, a key factor for seawater electrolysis.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized oxygen-enriched molybdenum boride electrode shows high potential for efficient and stable hydrogen production via seawater electrolysis.
• The O-MoB@Mo electrode serves as a promising model system for developing durable electrocatalysts in challenging chloride-containing environments.